🔗 Share this article Monte Cook and Keith Baker Are Instructing Classes at DMU Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs lead D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table. In response, the coordinators began designing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University. “It's possible to view countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters often in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University. Available Classes and Ticket Packages Game masters can opt for options ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes: Foundational Skills: Covers the basics of running D&D. Campaign Building: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns. Setting Creation: Highlights the art of setting design. Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession. Every class includes multiple sessions of classwork divided across two days. “The courses are structured so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your home campaign.” Expert Instructors Most classes are instructed by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design. Industry advancement presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to attendees with particular aims. “Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?” Higher Tiers A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their castle events. “One could practically host an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I think the coursework and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.” The $2,500 premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to lead a session for a small group plus an instructor, who will then give comments and instruction. “The goal is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. May I present a scene for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.” Next Steps Feedback from the inaugural session will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl said that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, making it longer to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements. “I anticipate that we do this frequently,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been really terrific. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in conjunction with big conventions.”
Beginning in 2018, Tabletop Vacations has been hosting deeply engaging experiences where expert DMs lead D&D games in ancient fortresses in Britain and at an American castle venue. The comprehensive packages are highly favored among long-time dungeon masters who rarely get the opportunity to actually play themselves, and they often look for guidance from the pros on topics ranging from improvisation and puzzle design to handling difficult situations at the table. In response, the coordinators began designing a systematic approach to answer these inquiries, which led to the founding of the Dungeon Master Academy. The inaugural event is planned for January 2-3, 2026 at Oglethorpe University. “It's possible to view countless online tutorials on virtually any subject and gain significant knowledge, but the concept was that there’s just no substitute an in-person experience in the company of fellow DMs, where direct communication with seasoned educators and other game masters often in a similar position and seek to level up their game,” explained the dean of Dungeon Master University. Available Classes and Ticket Packages Game masters can opt for options ranging from $995 to two thousand five hundred dollars, according to the degree of interaction they desire with the instructors. The entry-level option includes selection from four classes: Foundational Skills: Covers the basics of running D&D. Campaign Building: Is dedicated to designing extended campaigns. Setting Creation: Highlights the art of setting design. Career Building: Designed for dungeon masters who seek to understand more about the tabletop profession. Every class includes multiple sessions of classwork divided across two days. “The courses are structured so that you walk away with tangible results, enhanced belief in your abilities, and a lot of usable tools,” Carl explained. “They’re not just lectures and they exceed pre-recorded material. These are sessions that you can join, learn from, and then head back to your table the next week and implement in your home campaign.” Expert Instructors Most classes are instructed by duo of instructors. Worldbuilding is taught by Monte Cook and Keith Baker, jointly leading the skill of universe design. Industry advancement presents several experts, such as Elisa Teague, Clint McElroy, and an early professional game master. The extra instructors is designed to provide specialized information to attendees with particular aims. “Certain participants want to launch their own live gameplay show and present their narratives with the world, several want to publish and develop fresh ideas,” Carl stated. “Others simply wish to ask, What's the path to be a DM at a program like D&D in a Castle? Which abilities that I need? Is this achievable?” Higher Tiers A $1,500 gold tier offers access to a welcome reception, a introductory package, and a half-hour consultation appointment with a teacher. This represents the first Dungeon Master Academy, though the organizers has previously run similar events during breaks between campaigns at their castle events. “One could practically host an entire weekend just on one-on-one meetings for expert DMs,” Carl said. “I don’t know if that’s the optimal application of everybody’s time – I think the coursework and the hands-on activities is extremely important – but I believe it’s going to be among the most sought-after parts of the program.” The $2,500 premium option provides an extended personal consultation and the opportunity to lead a session for a small group plus an instructor, who will then give comments and instruction. “The goal is for the instructor to evaluate whatever the DM is interested in: I struggle with spontaneous decisions or I get blocked in specific fight encounters. May I present a scene for you and obtain advice on my areas of proficiency and challenge?” Carl said. “Or maybe they want to get feedback and guidance on a definite universe that they’ve been developing.” Next Steps Feedback from the inaugural session will help determine subsequent DMU events. Carl said that potential adjustments could include adding more office hours, making it longer to three days, or trying out varied class arrangements. “I anticipate that we do this frequently,” Carl said. “I truly hope to see several DMU sessions in a calendar year, in multiple places, and in various nations. The feedback has been really terrific. We’re very happy with what we’re seeing and I believe it would be wonderful to be able to conduct this in conjunction with big conventions.”